The spelling of "DNA Dependent RNA Polymerase II" can be a bit daunting, but breaking it down into its individual components can make it easier. The first three letters "DNA" are spelled as they sound in English, /di en ei/. "Dependent," on the other hand, is spelled as /diː 'pen dənt/, with the "e" being long and "dənt" rhyming with "sent." "RNA" is spelled /ɑːr en ei/, with the "a" being pronounced like "car." Finally, "Polymerase II" is spelled /pə'lım əreis tuː/, with "poly" as in "polyester," "merase" as in "amylase," and "tuː" rhyming with "due."
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II, also known as RNAP II or Pol II, is an enzyme involved in the process of transcription in eukaryotic organisms. It is responsible for synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between ribonucleotides. This enzyme plays a crucial role in gene expression by transcribing the DNA template into an RNA molecule that carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.
The DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II is a multisubunit complex composed of various subunits, each with specific functions. The largest and catalytic subunit is responsible for the synthesis of RNA molecules while other subunits assist in the regulation and stability of the complex. Moreover, this enzyme requires various accessory proteins, known as transcription factors, to properly initiate and regulate the transcription process.
This RNA polymerase II is primarily responsible for transcribing protein-coding genes, but it can also transcribe non-coding RNA genes, including those involved in RNA processing and regulating gene expression. It recognizes specific DNA sequences, called promoters, adjacent to the genes and binds to the DNA template strand through hydrogen bonding, leading to the initiation of transcription.
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II is an essential enzyme for the proper functioning of cells as it enables the synthesis of mRNA molecules, which serve as the blueprints for protein production. Defects or mutations in this enzyme can lead to various disorders and diseases, emphasizing its critical role in cellular processes and overall organism development.